The Entrance Courtyard
Photo : P. Perrault
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The somewhat top-heavy stone to the left represents the Star of Longevity, or shouxing. This deity decides the day upon which each person will die. He frequently appears in the shape of an old man with a prominent bald head, leaning on a knotted stick and holding a big peach, the heavenly fruit that grants immortality. He is often depicted standing near a turtle and a mushroom, also symbols of long life.
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The Entrance Courtyard (part 3)
The Three Stars
Facing the door, three grey stones symbolize ancient Chinese deities. The stone in the middle represents fuxing, or the Star of Happiness. Popular imagery depicts this star as a 6th century mandarin, or as a general from the Tang era (618-907); he is often surrounded by bats. The bat is another symbol of happiness.
To the right of the Star of Happiness is the stone that symbolizes prosperity. It is called luxing, or the Star of Dignitaries and Remuneration; it is also called the Star of State Officials, since that position once implied an elevated social status and financial advantages. This god is personified by an official of the Han dynasty (206 B.B.-220 A.D.) who acquired honour and wealth over his lifetime. Uneducated people who could not aspire to this eminent social rank had to replace that deity by a mythological character who assures the birth of many children. Today, the Star on Prosperity implies social dignity, good fortune and many offsprings.
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